7 Easy Ways to Increase Low Blood Pressure

by Hezy | July 11, 2011

Low blood pressure, or also known as hypotension, is a condition in which the pressure of the blood pumping through the arteries is abnormally low. People with a reading of around 90/60 or less are commonly regarded as having low blood pressure.

For many people with high blood pressure (hypertension), hypotension would seem to be something to strive for. But for some people, particularly elderly people, this condition may not be considered as a sign of good health, because it can cause dizziness, fainting and nausea. In severe cases, low blood pressure can even be life-threatening.

Low blood pressure does not always cause symptoms. If you have low blood pressure, and you don’t experience any symptoms, hypotension usually requires no treatment. However, if you do have symptoms, such as dizziness, fainting, blurred vision, palpitations and nausea, then it is necessary to increase your blood pressure to keep the complications related to low blood pressure away.

Increase water and salt intake
When the water and salt content of your body is reduced, it may lead to low blood pressure. To prevent it, increase your water and salt intake. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day. Water helps increase the volume of your blood, and having more blood in your arteries will increase your blood pressure.
People who are diagnosed with hypotension are usually advised to increase the salt intake in their food. However, too much of salt is not good for the health, so it should not exceed certain limit.

Avoid alcohol drink
Alcohol is dehydrating which can cause low blood pressure, even if you drink in moderation.

Eat small frequent meals
To help prevent postprandial hypotension (low blood pressure after meals), eat in small portions several times a day and lying down after eating, or sitting still for a while may also help.

Follow a healthy diet
Get all the nutrients you need for good health by focusing on a variety of foods, including fish, fruits, vegetables, lean chicken, whole grains and limit high-carb foods such as rice, potatoes, bread and pasta.

Have Beetroot
The juice of raw beetroot is one of the best home remedies for low blood pressure. You should drink a cup of beetroot juice twice a day to treat hypotension. Substantial improvement will be seen within a week.

Wear support stockings
Support stockings or also called compression stockings are a tight elastic socks or stockings. They provide extra pressure to the feet, legs, and stomach, which will help stimulate circulation and increase blood pressure.

Stand up gradually
Before getting out of bed in the morning, try some physical movements first to increase your heart rate and the flow of blood around your body. For example, stretching in bed before you get up, or crossing and uncrossing your legs if you are seated and about to stand.

The symptoms of low blood pressure usually can be treated by making these small changes to your lifestyle. However, if the symptoms are not treatable and progress over time, then you must talk to your doctor, they will establish the underlying cause of your hypotension in order to determine the best treatment for you.